Executive Board of DirectorsGil Mangels, President

Cathleen Wilde, VP Nancy Pray, secretaryNed Wilde, Treasurer

Gracia Normandeau Jones Kendall Dupuis • Mike Maddy

Stan Cohen • Ned WildeAnnette Schiele

Art MangelsAdvisory Director

Jim PomajevichAre you interested?

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36094 Memory Lane Polson, MT 59860 406-883-6804 www.miracleofamericamuseum.org • info@miracleofamericamuseum.org

Spring 2014 QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

Gil adds sculpturesDo deadlines stress or motivate? I’ve been making notes and

collecting ideas since the publication of the last newsletter nearly three months ago, and realized this afternoon, (Feb. 23) that I have to face that terrible monster called the computer keyboard. Even with the explicit and excellent directions printed on the screen by my grandson, Ned, and a printout stuck to my nearby bulletin board, it took me about a half an hour to get this far.

In spite of the “Valentine” month being over by the time you get this, I decided to keep February’s theme.

Among the things that delayed me were having to plow snow several times, having major dental work done, getting ready for the activity night and our board meeting, and two events. I made three whimsical metal sculptures for the Sandpiper Gallery’s “year of the horse” theme which will be on display through March 28. After completing them, I made a couple more to display with my 50-page sculpture booklet for “Meet the Author” night at Mission Valley Christian Academy. My booklet is for sale in our gift shop for $5. Add an extra dollar for U.S. postage.

As I write this, it is extra bright outside with a fleeting visit of the sun reflecting on the twelve inches of snow. As I finish writing, there is now a blizzard, high winds and emergency travel only. I’m not complaining about our snow and near-zero temps, even though our heating bill has hit below the belt. Does that mean the same as “gone through the roof?”

I have fun with the kids on school trips with our crazy English language, especially when a word can mean so many different unrelated things. Mary Larson brought her 3rd grade class in last month for a lecture tour which lasts from 45 minutes to an hour. They were a very well behaved group. We had a little fun when I pulled a quarter from behind a young girl’s ear and allowed her to put it in the Orchestrion for the whole class to enjoy the auto play piano with several different instruments.

Our board had its first 2014 quarterly meeting on February 18. If you think of something we should address in future meetings, please let me know at 406-270-7895.

Early 2014 sees visitors from 20 states, Canada and England

Visitor count seems down slightly, but so far this year we have had representation from 20 states, England and Alberta. Our public meeting room was used for the wedding of Larry and Lois Eslick in January and a couple of civic clubs. We have a free will donation for the use of the room to help with the heating bill. Larry has run our sawmill on Live History days, and I kidded Lois that now she could work the green chain for him. I explained to her that means offbearing / sorting / pulling/guiding the cut lumber/ slabs into the proper stack or cart after it comes off the saw table.

Live History Days July 2014We’ve had enough inquiries and offers of help to

decide that we will do Live History days again. It will be July 19-20, 2014. Please mark your calendars and see who you can involve.Photos at right: Gil managed to create these sculptures between museum tasks and plowing snow. See them at Sandpiper Gallery now through March 28.

BE MY VALENTINE – This recently-acquired 1941 valentine will join the 13 other motorcycle cards on permanent display with our collection of over 70 real vintage cycles dating back to 1912 and close to 4,000 pieces of memorabilia. Our rotating collection of over 400 vintage valentines has come out of storage and has been placed on display in the meeting room.

Interesting donated items from picker, Howard Hudson, include fountain items, two miniature axes carved from wood stuck in stumps from the Veterans’ home. Hand work, like carving, weaving, leatherwork, etc. was encouraged for wounded veterans, as it aided in the healing and rehabilitation process. Another item was a 1936-7 metal first aid pac-kit with the marking “U.S. C P.” Research has revealed that Capitol Police were started before President Lincoln, but eventually assigned around the nation in various capacities and numerous names, i.e. secret service, homeland security, etc;

Robert Day donated a battle-worn 1863 Wm. Muir & Co. Civil War musket;

Corey Richwine –Homing pigeon race time clock. I don’t know how to date or operate this device, but these pics show one, (not ours) taken apart. Amazing workmanship and engineering. I am guessing ours is circa 1920-30s.

Hay Rake RestoredA few nice days in January allowed us to restore an “H”

John Deere mounted “sweep rake”. While the pics show one mounted on a different tractor, you can get the idea of how they worked. We also have an earlier 2-horsepower rake.

Newsletter layout courtesy of Carmine Mowbray of

I have been blessed w/ over 47 years w/ my late wife, and good friends who have helped make this museum what many, many visitors have said is “the best.” Note the name is not “Gil’s Museum.” I purposely designed it to pay tribute to those great men whose pictures you see below, and the men and women who have worked, bled and died to hold high those lofty ideals of our forebears. The endowment fund would help guarantee that the Miracle of America stay

a private non-profit – much preferable to losing control to a government entity. I want it to be a public museum that you can be involved in and feel that any money or property donated is an investment for your posterity. I have used up most of my personal funds and much of my allotted years. I welcome your input and influence and so appreciate those who have helped in various ways. Thank you, Gil

REMEMBER WHEN A LARGE PICTURE OF THESE GREAT GOD-FEARING MEN HUNG IN YOUR SCHOOL CLASSROOM?

A challenge from Gil – Please consider our Endowment Fund

Top: Sales brochure photo of rake; bottom: hay rake in use; right: Pigeon race timing clock intact and in pieces.

M I S C E L L A N E O U S D O N A T I O N S

$1,100 more neededto reach goal!

Now within $1100 of Paul Bunyan Goal!In order to preserve the Paul Bunyan, we have designed a

permanent shelter. We were awarded a Montana State Community Transportation Enhancement Program (CTEP) grant to provide about 80% of the cost, with a local match to cover the rest. At this time, we are within $1,100 of our goal. Thanks to Paul Bunyan donors Rich Beauchamp; Kathy Johnson and Jan Rogers

You can help boost attendanceI am afraid all of the calamities in the world and severe

weather problems in our nation could have an adverse effect on vacation travel. We are dependent on visitation as well as your donations to keep us going.

You can help us greatly by being emissaries in various ways, spoken or written word, giving out brochures or placing them in your business. These are all helpful. Bringing friends; mentioning us in your family Christmas letter is good. Encouraging teachers to include us in their field trip plans will have a far-reaching impact. Every out-of-the-area visitor that you can bring here will also benefit other area businesses.

Think Spring, GilMarch Activity night features artist; Titanic dive

Our upcoming March 13th program will feature Roger and Sarah Bansemer from Florida who spent three days at the museum last summer. While they won’t physically be here, they are so personable, you will feel like they are. The program begins at 6:30 and will show three 30-

minute videos of Roger, a well known professional artist, who right before your eyes, transforms a blank canvas into a beautiful painting. In this case he has chosen our log cabin and one of our steam tractors to demonstrate his technique and talent. Interspersed with the painting demonstration, are snippets of documentary done by Sarah.

The finale of the evening will be Roger’s dive to the Titantic and painting of the infamous ship on the ocean floor as seen through the dive vessel’s view port. Your artist friends will enjoy this program, so please spread the word. There is no charge, although treats or free will donations are welcome. School art classes would find this helpful as well.Comedy on tap for April Activity night

The subject matter for April 10th, will be the feature length movie, “Harry’s War.” The hilarious antics of Harry in fighting

for justice from the bungling IRS agents who are sure his Aunt Beverly is worth millions with her military surplus yard has a dramatic climax you won’t soon forget. We even have some movie props in our WWII collection that were used in that movie. May 8th, and June 12th, hasn’t been decided yet, but you can’t go wrong in blessing us with your attendance.

for justice from the bungling IRS agents who are sure his Aunt Beverly is worth millions with her military surplus yard has a dramatic climax you won’t soon forget. We even have some movie props in our WWII collection that were used in that movie. May 8decided yet, but you can’t go wrong in

Membership BenefitsMembership to the Miracle of America Museum is tax-

deductible and allows you free admission, newsletters and 10% discount in our gift shop.

We really appreciate our supporters who remember to send donations.

A star beside your name on the address label means this may be the last newsletter you receive unless we hear from you. If you wish to remain on our mailing list, please let us know.

Family membership: $25Annual Sustaining: $100Corporate Sustaining: $200Lifetime: $1000 or above

In spite of the difficult economy and partially because of it, our Endowment fund needs to be enlarged. Only the interest income is used each year and the banks are presently not paying much. The board is again asking that you please consider donating the museum 1% to 5% of your estate to the Miracle of America Museum endowment fund.

If enough folks choose this sort of gifting it would help insure continued preservation of our collections and displays for your posterity to enjoy. If you agree, please consider discussing this with your estate planner or lawyer.

Thank you very much for your support

A huge salute of thanks to our

New and Renewing Members:

Family- Vern Corban;John and Toni Erkkila; Janet Hunsusker; Janet also donated $25 as seed money to raise funds to replace damaged siding on our 1912 one room school houseMemorials: For Joanne Mangels – $100, Michael and Carol Fuhrmann, Texas. For James Shaffer – $100,- Stella Larson, Calif.Sustaining – Bert and Grace Poloson, Bob and Sharon Fulton and Bob Skans.

Miracle of America Museum36094 Memory LanePolson, MT 59860RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

We’d love to hear from you –Visitors, area residents and friends,

We will gladly publish your thoughts in upcoming newsletters.

Please join us for the next Activity Night! Thursday, March 13 –

6:30 p.m.

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